C&ENVENG 7043 - Introduction to Geostatistics

North Terrace Campus - Summer - 2016

Basic introduction to geostatistics with the emphasis on concepts rather than mathematics. Regionalised (or spatial) variables. Quantifying the criteria for estimation sources of errors in estimation, fundamental basis of the geostatistical approach, mean and variance of the estimation error. The variogram calculation, interpretation, linking variogram behaviour with physical causes (geology, sampling). Variances, covariances, Krige's volume-variance relationship. Extension variances and estimation variances/simple calculations in one and two dimensions. Global reserve/resource estimation. Optimal estimation and introduction to kriging.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code C&ENVENG 7043
    Course Introduction to Geostatistics
    Coordinating Unit School of Civil, Environmental & Mining Eng
    Term Summer
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact 1 week course, 38 contact hours. Assignments to be completed during semester one
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Assumed Knowledge Basic geology; elementary statistics (mean, variance, histogram)
    Restrictions Exam for this course is typically in the April mid-semester break, therefore results will not be received in time for April graduations.
    Course Description Basic introduction to geostatistics with the emphasis on concepts rather than mathematics. Regionalised (or spatial) variables. Quantifying the criteria for estimation sources of errors in estimation, fundamental basis of the geostatistical approach, mean and variance of the estimation error. The variogram calculation, interpretation, linking variogram behaviour with physical causes (geology, sampling). Variances, covariances, Krige's volume-variance relationship. Extension variances and estimation variances/simple calculations in one and two dimensions. Global reserve/resource estimation. Optimal estimation and introduction to kriging.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Michael Leonard

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    The course runs in intensive mode 9-5pm each day for one week with a mixture of tutorials and lectures. An hour break is provided for lunch. Assignments are to be completed in remaining time outside contact hours.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this course, students will be: 

    1. Able to relate the concepts of spatial variability to geological, geomechanical and/or environmental variables,

    2. Able to calculate variograms for simple one- and two-dimensional data sets

    3. Able to fit models to experimental variograms and interpret model parameters, and

    4. Able to evaluate simple calculations of estimation variances

    5. Able to formulate and solve kriging equations

    6. Able to make decisions on the basis of these calculations.

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1,2,3,4,5,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Lecture notes are required reading for this course.
    Online Learning
    Online assessment is used for assignments 3 to 6 (Maple TA).
    Online tutorials are available for assignment practice and exam revision.
    Copies of lectures slides and solutions to tutorials are provided online.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Delivery is intensive mode, involving: lectures, tutorials and examples classes.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A standard 3 unit load is 156 hours. 35 hours are allocated for lectures and tutorials. Approximately 120 hours are allocated to completing assignments and revising for the exam.
    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

    Specific Course Requirements
    Exam for this course is typically in the April mid-semester break, therefore results will not be received in time for April Graduations. The exam is held on a Sunday at the University of Adelaide.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    There are 6 assignments. Two assignments are due during the lecture series. The remaining four assignments are to be completed online and are due in early March (exact date to be specified by coordinator on commencement of the course). The exam is typically held in the mid-term break in April, at the University of Adelaide, on a Sunday (exact date to be specified by coordinator on commencement of the course).
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Where the exam hurdle is not met students will receive a course result of the lesser of their calculated grade and the nominal grade of 45, Fail. An additional assessment exam will be available to eligible students. Students should refer to the Modified arrangements for coursework assessment policy for eligibility criteria.

    There are no exemptions available for students who have previously attempted the course. All assessment items must be repeated.
    Assessment Detail
    All 6 assignments are equally weighted. They are worth 45% in total.
    Assignments 1 and 2 are focused on conceptual understanding. Assignments 3-6 are numerical.
    There is a series of basic quizzes worth 5%.
    The exam is worth 50%.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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